Rainbows, Relationships, & Revenge

The next couple of weeks go by without any form of excitement or incident whatsoever. Until one day Twilight wakes up to what sounds like moaning coming from the library.

Curious, Twilight lazily gets out of bed and walks out of her bedroom to go into the library. When she exits her room she sees Spike laying on the floor surrounded by multiple scrolls, all the while clutching his stomach in pain.

“Spike? What's going on?” She asks.

“We've been receiving scrolls from somepony all morning. I feel siiiiiick.” He groans. Twilight levitates one of the scrolls with her magic and opens it and reads it out loud.

“‘Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, it seems that we have run into some complications with Rainbow Dash. She hasn't been feeling well all morning. We would appreciate if you and your friends came down immediately.’“Oh no.” She says now getting worried.

She levitates another scroll already afraid of what it might say. “‘Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, it is with great relief that I write to you and tell you that Rainbows earlier complications were only because her medications were wearing off. If all goes well, she may be able to leave.’ YAY!”

She levitates one more scroll and opens it. “Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle, I have great news. Rainbow Dash has been cleared to leave the hospital. We are awaiting the arrival of you and your friends before we let her out. Come as soon as possible.’ OH YAY!! RAINBOW DASH IS GOOD TO GO!!”

“That's great....really....if you need me....uuuuugh....I'll be upstairs asleep.” Spike says with a less than enthused tone in his voice.

Twilight hastily gathers her stuff together and places her saddlebags over her back before quickly trotting out the door and making a bee-line for the hospital.

Meanwhile at the Apple family residence. Applejack has just woken up from what she would consider the best nights sleep she has gotten in so long. She quickly braids her mane and ties it off with her red hair band and does the same with her tail. Satisfied with her work she places her Stetson hat on top of her head and trots out the door. She walks down the stairs to the bottom floor of her home and is greeted by her family sitting at the table eating breakfast. “Mornin’ ya'll.” she says happily.

“You seem ta be in a chipper mood today. Any particular reason why?” Granny Smith asks.

“Well, yeah, Rainbow Dash is doin’ fine and if all goes well she'll be aloud ta leave the hospital soon.”

“Well that's good.”

Suddenly somepony knocks on the door. “Ah'll get it.” Applejack says happily before opening the door to reveal an earth pony carrying a mailbag.

“Well howdy. What can Ah do ya fer?” Applejack asks. “I have a letter for Miss Applejack Apple.” Responds the mailmare.

“That's me.” Applejack responds.

The mailmare pulls out the letter and hoofs it to Applejack.

“Thank ya kindly.”

“Have a good day Miss Apple!” Says the earth pony before she trots away.

“You too!”

Applejack turns around and closing the door behind her. She rips open the envelope and pulls out the letter concealed within it.

‘Dear Applejack, we are pleased to inform you that Rainbow Dash is doing very well and is ready to be checked out of the hospital later today. Please arrive at the hospital soon to pick her up. Thank you!’ All Applejack can do is sigh in relief.

“Thank Celestia.”

“What's it say Applejack?” Apple Bloom asks.

“Rainbow Dash is ready ta go. Ah'm goin’ ta pick her up in a bit. Oh! That reminds me, ah completely forgot, Ah hope ya'll are alright with it, but Ah offered ta take care of Dash while she gets better.”

“Sounds good ta me honey!” Granny Smith says.

“Eeyup.”

“Alright! It'll almost be like havin’ a second sister! But a Pegasus!”

“Well alright. Thanks ya'll. Ah'll be back later everypony, with one very stubborn Pegasus.”

Applejack straps on her saddlebags and exits the house. The hour long journey is a quiet one, Applejack being lost in thought the whole way until she finally reached the hospital. She walks inside and the same mare from before is waiting at the counter.

“Hello.” She says with a smile.

“Howdy.” Applejack replies.

“How may I help you today?” Asks the receptionist.

“Ah'm here ta pick up Rainbow Dash.”

“One second miss.”

Searching through the catalog, the mare finally pulls out a piece of paper which confirms that Rainbow Dash is to be released.

“Ah, yes. You must be Applejack?”

“Yes ma'am.” Applejack responds with a smile.

“Go right ahead Miss Applejack. Just sign out when you both get back here so that we don't have to file a missing ponys report.” She jokes.

“Heh. We wouldn't want that ta happen would we?” Applejack responds sarcastically.

“Certainly not.”

Applejack places the quill back down after scribbling in her name. Without another word Applejack walks back into Rainbow Dash's room to see her wide awake with a smile. Next to her is the doctor levitating a clipboard in his magic.

“Hey there sugarcube. How ya feelin’?” Applejack asks in a loving tone.

“I'm ready to get the hay outta here.”

“Ah understand completely. Best part ‘bout it is ya get ta come home with me.”

“Really?!”

“That's right.” Applejack replies.

Pumping both forehooves in the air, Rainbow yells in excitement.

“AW HAY YES!!!”

“Well Rainbow Dash, everything looks very promising and all the proper paperwork is in order. Next is to get you admitted out of here.” Doctor Trotter says.

“Thanks for everything doc.”

“My pleasure Miss Dash.”

Then without warning, a loud poof emanates throughout the room and a white flash appears in the middle of it. The light dies out and Twilight Sparkle is looking around frantically, hoping she wasn't too late.

“I'm here! Where's Rainbow Dash?! Is she already gone?!”

“I'm still here egghead.” Responds the Pegasus with a smile.

“Oh good. I was afraid I'd missed you.”

“Actually, yer just in time. Rainbow Dash is bein’ released right now.”

“Hey Applejack. How are you doing today?”

“Jus’ fine an’ dandy. How about yerself Twi?”

“I'm good. So excited that Rainbow is finally able to leave!”

“Yeah well I'll bet neither one of you is as pumped to get out of here as I am! I've been in here too long!”

“Well first things first, Miss Apple, Rainbow will need to come back here for a check up in two weeks. Make sure she takes her medications. Two pills three times a day. Her bandages wil need changed out everyday to reduce the chance of infection. And whatever you do, do not let her do any kind of physical work for at least a month and a half. We can't risk the chance of her over exerting herself and coming back here in worse condition than she originally was. Got it?”

“Ah got it doc. Ah'm used to doin’ more’n my fair share of physical work back at the farm.”

Doctor Trotter nods and looks at Rainbow Dash who is patiently waiting.

“Alright. How about we get you signed out then?”

“Right. Let's go!” She says ecstatically.

“Now Ah know you ain't one fer goin’ slow, but ya really need ta take yer time gettin’ outta bed Rainbow. Last thing we need is fer ya ta hurt yerself ‘fore ya even set hoof out the door.”

“For once, I agree with taking it slow.”

Rainbow Dash slowly dangles her forehooves off the side of the bed and carefully slides off. As her hooves make contact with the ground she momentarily loses her balance.

“Wooah!”

Rainbow staggers around trying not to fall flat on her muzzle.

“Easy now Rainbow. Remember, take it slow. Tell me if ya need any help.”

Once Rainbow Dash regains her stance, she nods at Applejack to let her know that she is okay. Applejack steps back but keeps a watchful eye on the Pegasus. Slowly but surely Rainbow Dash carefully walks (more like limps) out of the room, occasionally bumping into things.

Worried about Rainbows condition, the earth pony leans over to the doctor and whispers to him.

“Is she gonna be alright?”

“She'll be fine. She just needs a lot of rest. I'm sure she'll be good as new in no time if she's in your hooves.”

Applejack smiles sheepishly and responds as quiet as possible

“Heh. Well Ah'll certainly try my best.”

“I'm sure you'll do fine.”

“Thanks.”

“Let's go! I'm ready to get out of this place!”

“Hold yer horses, Ah'm comin’!”

“Have a good day you three. And Dash, stay off the wing for a while. And no exciting adventures until your condition gets better.”

“I will. Thanks doc.”

“Not a problem.”

The three friends separate from the doctor and head back towards the hospital exit. When they get there the mare at the front desk looks up and smiles.

“Hello again.” She says.

“Howdy.”

“What can I do for you this time?”

“Ah need ta schedule an appointment for Rainbow Dash in two weeks.”

“Alright.”

The mare looks through her schedule and finally finds a time.

“Does four-thirty work for you?”

“Yeah, that'll be fine.”

“Alrighty, I have you scheduled for Thursday at four-thirty p.m. two weeks from now.”

“Thank ya kindly.”

“Thanks.”

“Have a great day.” She says.

“You too.” The three friends say in unison.

The trio exits the hospital doors and as soon as they all set hoof outside, Twilight face hoofs when she realizes something.

“Shoot!”

“You forget somethin’ Twilight?” Applejack asks curiously.

“I just realized we didn't plan out how we were going to get Rainbow Dash to your house. In her condition she really shouldn't be doing a lot of walking.”

“Well shucks, is that all? Why dontcha just send a letter ta Big Mac? He'll be here in two shakes of a pony tail if ya tell him it's urgent.”

“Are you sure he isn't too busy?” Twilight asks.

“Ah'm sure. Go ahead.”

“Alright then. If you're sure.”

Using her magic, Twilight levitates a writing quill and a scroll and begins to write her letter.

“Dear Big Mac. I am happy to inform you that Rainbow Dash has officially been released and is ready to come home. However, it seems that somewhere along the way I forgot to plan a means of transportation for Rainbow Dash to be able to do so. So I was wondering if it wasn't too much trouble if you could take some time off of working in the orchard and come pick us up? If so that would be great! Sincerely, Princess Twilight Sparkle.”

Once she finishes the letter Twilight zaps the scroll with a teleportation spell and sends it on it's way.

“Alright. He should receive it any second now.”

“Ah give him two minutes ‘fore he shows up.”

Twilight looks at Applejack curiously.

“What makes you say that?”

Applejack just grins.

“Just ya watch.”

Surely enough, no more than two minutes later the big red stallion comes into view hauling a large wagon. He reaches the hospital and skids to a stop. Applejack looks at Twilight with a smug look on her face. Twilight can only stare in amusement.

“Wow.”

“Great timin’ Big Mac. Now let's get home so we can get Rainbow all set up.”

“Eeyup.”

Twilight is the first to climb into the back of the wagon, followed by Applejack. Rainbow places her forehooves on the edge of the wagon and attempts to hoist herself up. But she is cut off when a sharp pain in her ribs cause her to stop. Applejack sees this and holds out a hoof out to the struggling Pegasus. Rainbow gladly accepts and is safely helped into the wagon. Grateful for the help, Rainbow smiles at Applejack.

“Thanks AJ.”

“Don't mention it sugarcube. Alright Big Mac! Let's get movin’!”

Big Mac stands on his hind legs before coming back down and taking off in a dead sprint. Applejack is in the back having the time of her life.

“YEEEEHOOO!!!”

A short time later they all finally arrive at Sweet Apple Acres. Twilight hops off the back of the wagon and waits for the other two. Applejack hops down and helps Rainbow Dash down off the back of the wagon. Applejack looks at her brother and smiles.

“Thank ya Big Mac.”

“Eeyup.”

Big Mac then unhooks himself from the wagon and walks away to continue his work.

“Well it's been fun girls, but I must get back to the castle. I just got a wagon load of new books that should help me out to learn more on friendship. So I've got some reading to catch up to. I'm glad you're out of the hospital Rainbow Dash. And don't worry, we'll find out who the culprit is and I'll be sure to see to it that they get punished for their crimes.”

“Thanks Twi.”

Twilight gently wraps Rainbow Dash in a hug. A few short moments later, Twilight breaks the hug and turns toward Applejack.

“Thank ya kindly Twilight fer helpin’ us out.”

“It's no problem at all AJ. Well I'll see you later girls.”

Twilight's horn glows a faint purple and in a flash, she's gone.

“Alright Rainbow, let's getcha inside and inta bed.”

“Right.”

Applejack slowly leads Rainbow Dash inside the house, letting the Pegasus lean against her when she got tired. Soon they were in the house and Applejack calls out.

“We're home ya'll!”

“Welcome to our home.” Says Granny Smith as she slowly walks into the room.

“Thanks Granny Smith.”

“Let's sit ya down on the couch. Dinner should be ready soon.”

“Sounds good to me AJ.”

Applejack walks into the kitchen to start making dinner. Rainbow Dash follows Applejack out with her eyes and never looks away from the kitchen, until Rainbow feels a presence beside her. She looks away from the kitchen and looks to her left to see Apple Bloom sitting next to her with a really wide smile.

“What's up AB?”

“Nuthin’. Jus’ glad yer alright.”

“You and me both kid.”

“Do ya feel any better?”

“Loads better. My wing is still a little stiff and I'm still limping a bit. But other than that I'm fine.”

Apple Bloom suddenly gets an uncomfortable look on her face, to which Rainbow Dash notices.

“Alright kid, spill it, what's buggin’ ya?”

“Um, nothin’s buggin’ me. Ah was just wonderin’, uh, if-if it was okay with you if Ah could, uh, feel yer wing? Ah ain't ever felt a Pegasus’ wings before and Ah always was wonderin’ what it was like.”

Applejack is listening from the kitchen and tries to intervene.

“Now Apple Bloom, Ah ain't too sure that that's such a good idea.”

“It's alright AJ. I don't mind. She won't hurt anything. Just be careful alright kid? My left wing is still a bit sore.”

“Ah'll be careful. Ah promise.”

“Alright.”

Rainbow Dash slowly extends her left wing, cringing a little in pain every so often. But with a little effort she is able to extend the wing completely. Apple Bloom just stares as if she's having second thoughts.

“Go ahead AB. I don't bite.”

Apple Bloom slowly reaches her forehooves out, but pulls back slightly with uncertainty. Rainbow looks and says to Apple Bloom with a smile.

“It's alright Apple Bloom. I'm a big pony. I can take it.”

This seems to work to boost the filly’s confidence as she slowly reaches out again and gently makes contact with the feathers on the underside of Dash's wing. Apple Blooms go wide in amazement.

“It's so soft!”

“Well yeah, they're feathers.”

Apple Bloom gently rubs the feathers on Dash's wing and moves her hooves around the entire wing until she finally reaches the area where the wing connects to the side of her body. Rainbows eyes grow wide and on reflex snaps her wing shut tightly to her body. Apple Bloom asks in a sorrowful tone.

“Oh, Ah'm sorry. Did ah hurt ya?”

“Nah, you didn't hurt me, I'm just a bit ticklish there. Most, if not all Pegasi are.”

“Really?”

“Yep. Kind of like Earth ponies are anywhere else.”

“Rainbow Dash extends a single feather and gently brushes it Apple Blooms belly with it, making her squirm and fall off the couch with a squeal and a thud. Rainbow Dash chuckles at this.

“You okay kid?

“Ah'm good.”

“Good.”

Applejack then pokes her head out of the kitchen and beckons them into the kitchen with a forehoof.

“Soup’s on everypony.”

“Alright. I'm starving. Let's eat.”

Rainbow Dash and Apple Bloom walk into the kitchen. Applejack, Granny Smith, and Big Macintosh are already seated.

“Dig in everypony! It's all fresh.”

On the table is an assortment of apple-based and non apple-based foods. Apple fritters, cider, Apple juice, Apple pie, biscuits, and hay fries. Rainbow Dash says happily.

“This all looks so good!”

“Hope ya’ll enjoy it.”

“AJ, if you guys cooked it, it's guaranteed to be good.”

“Thanks Rainbow.”

Rainbow Dash nods and takes a bite of the apple pie.

“Sweet Celestia this is amazing pie. Who made it?”

The Apple family stays silent until Big Macintosh raises a hoof.

“Well it's amazing.”

Big Mac nods and with a slightly cocky tone he says.

“Eeyup!”

Then the chair breaks out from under him sending him falling to the floor. Everypony bursts out in laughter except for him.

“Looks like ya might need ta lay off the pie fer a while Big Mac.”

Big Mac grumbles angrily.

“Aw come on now. We're just pullin’ yer leg.”

“So. How's the rest of the food Rainbow Bash?”

“Dash, Granny.”

“Huh? Whuzzat dear?”

“Her name is Rainbow Dash.”

“Ready ta go crash? But it ain't even time fer bed yet.”

“No, Granny, Rainbow Dash!”

“Yer gonna go smash? Smash what?”

“RAINBOW DASH!!!”

“Ooooh, why didn’t ya say so?”

“Oye. Sorry ‘bout that sugarcube.”

“S’all good. And the food is amazing Granny Smith.”

“That's good.”

The rest of dinner was spent talking about the rest of the Mane six and what sorts of adventures they'd recently went on. Rainbow Dash talked about how she is the lead weather pony and a mishap involving a certain gray pony with crazy eyes and a blonde mane. Applejack talked about how she had to chase away a bunch of squirrels, or varmints as she called them, to prevent them from eating her crop. Apple Bloom talked about how she and the other CMC's were trying to help a colt discover his talent, involving a zip line, a pool, and a hoop that was on fire. Don't ask. Big Mac said nothing as usual, and Granny Smith all but nodded off in the middle of it. After dinner was done Big Mac went back out into the orchard to finish the job. Granny Smith went into her bedroom to sleep for the rest of the day, and Rainbow Dash offered to help Applejack with the dishes.

“Ah got it sugarcube. Why dontcha go back into the livin’ room and hang out fer a spell?”

“Are you sure you don't need any help AJ?”

“Ah'm sure sugarcube. Ah got this. ‘Sides the doc said ya ain't ‘sposed ta be doin’ a whole lotta anythin’ till ya heal up. Now go sit down and enjoy yerself.”

“Alright.”

As requested, Rainbow Dash went back into the living room and sat back down on the couch. Shortly after, Apple Bloom walks back up and sits down in front of Rainbow Dash, looking up at her with a worried look on her face.

“What's wrong kid?”

“Ah'm just worried ‘bout ya. We all are. Ah mean Applejack said ya almost died! Ah don't want that ta happen again...”

Apple Bloom starts to tear up and Rainbow Dash wraps the small filly in a hug.

“Hey. Look, I'm fine now. Okay? Nothing is going to happen to me. The doctor says I'm fine now, I just need to take it slow for a while. I promise, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. It's gonna take a lot more than some angry pony and a heart attack to take down this much awesome.” She says with a wink. Apple Bloom sniffles and smiles a little.

“You promise?”

“Have I ever let you down?”

Apple Bloom smiles a little wider and says with a hint of sarcasm.

“Wellllll...”

“Watch it kid...”

“Sorry...no, ah guess yer right.”

“‘Course I'm right. Look who you're talking to. Look, I promise, I'm not going anywhere, I'd never leave my friends hanging. How do ya think I earned the title, ‘Element of Loyalty’?”

“Good point.”

“Right.”

Rainbow looks into the kitchen and sees that Applejack seems to be in her own little world. A plan forms in Dash's head and she smiles evilly.

“Hey. I got an idea. I'm gonna scare your sister.”

“Well good luck with that. Ah've been tryin’ ta get the jump on her fer a while and nothin’s worked.”

“I got ways. Trust me. Now just watch.”

“Rainbow Dash slowly tiphoofs into the kitchen and inches closer behind Applejack until she is barely a hoof's length away from the back of Applejacks head. She breathes in as much air as her lungs can hold and let's out a loud...

“BOO!”

“GAH!”

Applejack spins around and slips on a small puddle of water next to the sink and falls backwards, landing on her rump. Rainbow Dash at this point is on the floor crying with laughter. Applejack stares at her in anger.

“Dammit Dash! Yer gonna give me a heart attack!!”

“Hahaha!! That was awesome! I told ya I would get her AB!”

Apple Bloom struggles not to laugh herself.

“Gee sis. Ah didn't know you was so skittish.”

Applejack points a threatening hoof at the two pranksters.

“Ah'll getcha both back fer this. Just ya watch.”

“Uh huh. Sure. Whatever you say Applejack.”

“Trust me. Ah'll getcha when ya least expect it.”

“Ah don't think she's kiddin’ Rainbow.”

“Good.”

“Uh oh.”

“C’mon Rainbow. Let's getcha into the guest bedroom.” Applejack says.

Rainbow slowly walks into the guest room, where there is a clean freshly made bed waiting. Rainbow slowly puts both forehooves on the bed and pulls herself up on the mattress.

“Y’know that was real sweet of ya what ya said ta Apple Bloom earlier. ‘Bout ya not leavin’ us.”

“Well I made a promise. I intend to keep it.”

Applejacks ears droop to the sides of her head and she starts tearing up.

“Ah really hope so Rainbow. A-Ah just dunno what Ah'd do if ya just up an’ died. Ah can't lose you like I lost my parents. Ah j-just can't.”

Applejack breaks down into silent sobs and buries her muzzle into Dash's neck, grabbing her in a hug. Rainbows ears pin back and she returns the hug.

“Hey hey hey...it's alright. Shhh. I'm not going anywhere. Alright? Look at me AJ. Look at me.”

Applejack looks at Rainbow Dash, with tears flooding her own.

“I made a promise to Apple Bloom. I'm making that same promise to you. So long as I'm still awesome, I'm not going anywhere. Okay?”

“Ah...Ah love you Rainbow...Ah don't want to lose you...not you too...”

“I know AJ. I know. And you won't. Okay? Believe me I would rather lose my ability to fly than lose you. And that's saying something. As long as I have you by my side. And of course the others, nothing will take me out.”

Rainbow smirks confidently.

“Ah know...”

“Come on. What's up?”

“It's just...thinkin’ ‘bout losin’ you makes me think ‘bout how Ah lost my parents...”

“Oh...I'm sorry Applejack...you wanna talk about it? How they died?”

“Ah don't know Rainbow...Ah ain't ever told anypony. Only ones who know are Big Macintosh and Granny...Ah don't wanna make things more depressin’ than they already are.”

“Look AJ...you don't have to tell me if you don't want to...but just know I'm here to listen...”

Applejack sniffles and thinks silently for a few minutes.

“Okay Rainbow...Ah'll tell ya.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah...Ah'm sure.”

“Okay...take your time.”

“Well, it happened when Ah was a really young filly, even younger than Apple Bloom. Big Mac stayed behind on the farm to take care of Granny, so Ah went with ma and pa on a pie delivery that was up in the snowy part of them mountains. Now you oughta know better than anypony that the higher up ya go in the mountains, the colder it gets.”

“Sure.”

“Well we was on our way to a small village somewhere up there. Ah was colder than a snowpony in a blizzard, and the ground was mighty slippery. Ah seen that the ground had started crackin’ and...(sniff) I'm sorry...”

“It's alright AJ...you don't have to continue if you don't want to.”

Rainbow Dash drapes her good wing over Applejacks back.

“No...Ah told ya Ah'd tell ya...”

“Alright...just take your time. Breathe slow and just stop whenever it gets to be too much.”

Applejack slowly exhales and continues.

“Ah saw the ground crackin’, and pa said ta get movin’ faster, but by that time...the ground started givin’ away. Ma pushed me away from the ledge and they fell and were holdin’ on ta the ledge, barely. A–Ah tried so hard ta help them... Mama put her hat on my head and told me everythin’ was gonna be alright...they both said it would be alright but the look...the look in there eyes told me everything...Ah new that it was not about ta be alright...they both said they loved me. Ah kept shouting ‘No! No! No!’ and ‘please don't leave me!’. And...and they just...just...they slipped and fell... Ah looked over the ledge ta see if by some miracle that they made it...but Ah didn't see them...Ah saw blood...there was so much blood...ah couldn't believe it...they...they were just...just gone...”

Applejack starts sobbing hard and pulls her hat down over her eyes. She looks up and sees Rainbow Dash's eyes wide open, pupils the size of pinpricks and tears threatening to pour from her eyes. She trembles as she tries to say something.

“What's wrong sugarcube? Ah'm sorry if–”

“When did this happen?”

“Huh?”

“When was the accident?”

“It happened...‘bout three days before you and Ah met.”

“Oh dear Luna...” Rainbow responds shakily covering her muzzle with a hoof before she starts sobbing into her fetlock.

“Rainbow? W–Why are ya cryin’? What happened?”

“T–That's the same day my parents were killed...”

Applejack gasps and covers her muzzle with both forehooves, shaking her head in disbelief.

“Oh Celestia...Rainbow...Sugarcube Ah'm so sorry...what happened to ‘em? You wanna talk ta me about ‘em?”

“When I still lived in Cloudsdale, my parents and I would always go for a fly, to stretch our wings. No set destination, just a calm fly through the city. Well one day...I guess we flew under a particularly bad cloud...mom was struck by lightning and she died immediately...the force of the hit shot her right into dad, knocking him out...and it sent them both falling to the earth...I–I tried so hard Applejack...I really did...I tried to catch them! I flew! And I flew and I flew and I flew but it just wasn't enough! Dad was killed on impact with the ground...I'm the fastest flyer in all of Equestria and I still couldn't BUCKING CATCH THEM!! WHAT THE BUCK IS WRONG WITH ME!!”

Rainbow starts smashing her hooves into a pillow out of anger, sadness, and heartbreak. Applejack wraps the mare in a hug, to which Rainbow accepts and begins sobbing loudly into AJ's shoulder.

“Rainbow..Ah...Ah don't even know what ta say...Celestia I'm so sorry ya had ta go through that sugarcube. I'm so sorry...”

“I miss them so much AJ...I miss them so much! If I had been faster they'd still be here!”

“Ah know Rainbow...Ah know...Let it all out. Shhh. It wasn't yer fault Rainbow. It was a horrible accident.”

“I let them die! Because I wasn't fast enough! They're both dead because of ME!”

“CONSARNIT RAINBOW DASH!!”

Hearing Applejack yell was enough to make Rainbow Dash stop crying. However she still couldn't look at her in the eyes. Applejack places a hoof under Rainbows chin and forces her to look her in the eye.

“Rainbow, look at me. What happened ta yer parents wasn't yer fault. Don't be blamin’ yerself fer stuff that you had no way of preventin’. Believe me, A-Ah used ta do the same thing. When my folks passed, ah kept tellin’ myself that they're blood was on my hooves, that if Ah had done somethin’ different, they'd still be here. Hay sometimes Ah still feel like that...but Ah know it ain't gonna do me any good ta blame myself fer what happened.”

“I just miss them so much Applejack...”

“Ah know sugarcube. Ah miss my parents too...but cryin and blamin’ yerself ain't gonna bring ‘em back. It's better ta just remember the happy moments ya had with ‘em and move on from there.”

Rainbow Dash wipes a hoof across her muzzle stifling a sniffle. She lets out a couple more sobs before she finally regains her composure somewhat. She flashes a tiny smile and shakily says.

“Thanks AJ. I feel a little better.”

“No problem sugarcube. Now c’mere.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash embrace each other in a tight hug. After what seemed like an eternity the two broke their hug. Applejack gently kisses Rainbow Dash on the end of her snout, which makes her cheeks go red and her eyes go wide. Applejack sees the embarrassment on the Pegasus' face and giggles.

“You alright Dash?”

“Uuuuuuh. Yeah?”

“Good. Now, ya best be gettin’ some shuteye. We got a big day tomorrow.”

“What do you mean?”

“Ah got a lotta work ta do tomorrow. So we both need ta be gettin’ some sleep.”

“Oh, okay. Well, goodnight AJ.”

“G'nite Rainbow.”

Applejack stands up and walks to the door. Rainbow Dash stops her before she walks out.

“Applejack?”

Applejack looks over her shoulder at the rainbow maned Pegasus.

“Yeah Rainbow?”

“Thank you. For taking me in I mean. For volunteering to take care of me until I got better.”

“Shucks Rainbow, t'ain’t nothin’. Ah woulda done it anyway. ‘Sides, were marefriends now, we stick together more than ever.”

Rainbow Dash smiles.

“Thanks AJ. This talk really helped.”

“Anytime sugarcube.”

“I love you AJ.”

Hearing this coming from her lover for the first time makes tears leak from her eyes and a smile form on her lips.

“Ah love you too Rainbow. G’nite.”

“Goodnight AJ.”

Applejack shuts off the light and closes the door behind her. She goes across the hallway into her bedroom and walks inside, shutting the door behind her. The orange earth pony sits down on her bed and removes the red bands holding her mane and tail in there usual braids, letting her hair fall freely. She sets the bands on the nightstand next to her and removes her hat setting it down next to them. She pulls back the covers of her bed and slides underneath them. She takes a few minutes to get comfortable under the covers while a happy smile shows on her face meanwhile a single though goes through her head.

‘Thank Celestia she's okay’
Finally the feeling of sleep welcomes her as she closes her eyes and slowly drifts off to sleep. But before she is completely unconscious the door to her bedroom creaks open, the sound of hooves quietly making contact with the wooden floor gets closer to her bed. A sudden weight finds itself on the other side of the bed. Applejack cracks one eye open to see that a certain blue Pegasus had lied down next to her and quickly fallen asleep. Instead of waking up her marefriend and asking her to go back to the guest room, Applejack just smiles and closes her eye again, whispering quietly to herself.

“Sleep tight Rainbow.”